Bicester

Nephew is in the pink to show aunt support

WHEN James McAleer’s aunt was diagnosed with breast cancer he felt helpless. But he decided to use his head.

Well his hair, beard and moustache to be exact.

He dyed the lot bright pink to raise cash for Cancer Research UK.

Thankfully his aunt, Steph Rushby, is now recovering and hopes to get the all-clear next May.

Mother-of-four Mrs Rushby, of Ray Road, Bicester, said: “I think it looks great, I’m really proud of him. Not many lads his age would dye their hair pink and keep it like that for a month.”

Mrs Rushby was diagnosed with breast cancer in November 2007 and the past five years have been tough for the entire extended family.

Grandmother Mrs Rushby, who works at Bicester Defence Storage and Distribution Centre, had chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy, and has been on medication for more than a year.

She said: “I’m still having treatment, but I get discharged next year, which will be wonderful.

“It has been hard, especially all the treatment. But I have had lots of support from my family, my husband and children and nieces and nephews, and that has made it bearable. You either give in or carry on fighting.”

Before he could go pink, Mr McAleer, 35, had to dye his dark brown locks blonde – and then last Saturday, in front of family and friends at the Kings Arms Pub, in Market Square, his hair took on the shade of shocking pink.

Now the Unipart delivery driver plans to leave his hair pink for the next month.

Mr McAleer, of Blake Road in Bicester, said: “It was the feeling of helplessness on all fronts. I and my aunt Steph had always been close and it was the worry of not knowing all the time.